Ellen Carstensen

Ellen Carstensen, age 71, of St. James, died on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Funeral services will be 10:30am, Saturday, November 10, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in St. James with Rev. Clinton Firstbrook, III, and Rev. Lowell Asplund officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm-8pm at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Ellen Marie Berg was born November 30, 1940, in St. James, the daughter of Albert and Beulah (Sanders) Berg. Ellen grew up in St. James graduating from St. James High School in 1958. She then received her Bachelors Degree in Education from Mankato State College. Ellen married Bill Carstensen on October 7, 1960 at St. James. She taught school in St. James for a short time before going to work at the Extension Service where she worked with the 4H program for more than 20 years. Ellen continued her education earning her Master's degree in the 1970's. She enjoyed golfing, crafts, camping, walking and spending time with her family. Ellen is survived by her children; Brian Susan Carstensen of Lakeville, Gail Johnson of Fairmont, grandchildren; Stephanie Davis, Ashley Benson , Brandon Taylor Carstensen and great-grandchildren Mason and Nora Davis. Ellen is preceded in death by her husband and parents. Visitation 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, November 9, 2012 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James 906 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, November 10, 2012 St. James United Methodist Church 225 Armstrong Blvd St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081